Hyderabad encounter: Bollywood celebrities 'hail' police for killing the accused
What's the story
On Friday morning, India woke up to the news that all four accused in the gruesome rape-and-murder of a 27-year-old lady veterinary were killed in an encounter with police. Ever since the brutal case, there had been a nationwide outcry against the assailants, with public and politicians demanding strictest possible punishment for the late accused. Now, Bollywood celebrities are unanimously 'celebrating' the extrajudicial act.
Context
Four accused shot dead by police during an escape bid
Reportedly, the four accused in the case, aged between 20 and 26, were taken to the crime spot at 3 am, for the reconstruction of events as part of the investigation. However, the four reportedly tried to escape, and attempted to attack the police and snatch their weapons. Thereafter, the four were shot dead by the police, in "self defense".
Reaction
Bollywood has come out in 'support' of Telangana Police
With all due respect to the general public emotion regarding the case, this writer believes that nobody should celebrate an act that clearly bypasses the country's law and order, more so, when they happen to be prominent public figures, capable of influencing their followers' thought process. But unfortunately, several Bollywood celebrities have come out, openly lauding the Telangana Police and celebrating the said encounter.
Information
Anupam Kher, Rishi Kapoor, Nagarjuna among those lauding the police
Many notable actors and filmmakers from the Hindi as well as the southern film industries are now lauding the Telangana Police, and believe that the act is justified. They include Anupam Kher, Rishi Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh, Dino Morea, Ranveer Shorey, and Nagarjuna, among others.
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Bravo Telangana Police, says Rishi Kapoor
Bravo Telangana Police. My congratulations!
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) December 6, 2019
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Revolutionary step, pens Kangana's sister Rangoli Chandel
Rapist was shot dead at the very place he raped the innocent girl and burnt her body, WOW!! we salute our police forces and of course the government for this revolutionary step #BetiBachao #AchcheDin🙏 https://t.co/LmNw0dexrp
— Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) December 6, 2019
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Justice has been served, opines Dino Morea
Justice has been served, and served well.
— Dino Morea (@DinoMorea9) December 6, 2019
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Anupam Kher sends out his congratulations to police
Congratulations and #JaiHo to #TelenganaPolice for shooting down the four rapists of #PriyankaReddy in an “ENCOUNTER”. चलो! अब जितने भी लोगों ने ऐसा घिनोना अपराध करने वालों के ख़िलाफ़ आवाज़ उठाई थी और उनके लिए ख़तरनाक से ख़तरनाक सज़ा चाही थी, मेरे साथ ज़ोर से बोलो - #जयहो।👏👍
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) December 6, 2019
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Thank you Telangana Police: Rakul Preet Singh
How far can you run away after committing a crime like Rape .. #JusticeForPriyankaReddy #Encounter 🙏🏻 thankyou #Telangana police
— Rakul Singh (@Rakulpreet) December 6, 2019
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Meanwhile, police says it was an act of self-defense
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shamshabad) Prakash Reddy told ANI, "The accused snatched weapon and fired on police. In self defense, the police fired back, in which the accused were killed."
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Victim's family says they are thankful to police, government
Notably, the father of the rape-victim Dr. Disha (name changed), reacted to the news of encounter, saying "I express my gratitude toward the police and the government for this. My daughter's soul must be at peace now." Meanwhile, 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim Nirbhaya's mother said she was happy about the development. However, NCW chief said, "This (justice) was supposed to be through legal system."
Backstory
Dr. Disha was gang-raped and murdered on November 27
To recall, on November 27, the four accused deliberately punctured a tire of Dr. Disha's scooter and pretended to help her, before the assault. The four men then gang-raped and murdered her, and subsequently set her body ablaze. Her charred body was found the next morning. The four were arrested a day after the crime, and sent to a 7-day police remand on Wednesday.